Chapter 419: Compassionate Appearance (I)
Located in the desert, the street of Smoke Valley Market was paved with sandstone. After walking for a bit, Chen Donghe and Li Yuanjiao heard the calls of merchants hawking their wares. As they raised their gaze, a sea of people stretched before them.
During their walk, Li Yuanjiao shared the news of Li Xuanfeng's breakthrough to the Foundation Establishment Realm with Chen Donghe, who looked slightly better upon hearing it, though his tone suggested that he had already expected this.
"Xuanfeng has always been extraordinary since young. He's the most talented among all his brothers, so his achievement was to be expected," Chen Donghe had remarked simply.
After walking a little more, Chen Donghe had pretty much returned to his usual self. He pointed at the bustling crowd and explained, "Despite the barrenness of Smoke Valley Desert, it is rich in spirit resources and ores. Cultivators from all directions flock here, making the number of Embryonic Breathing Realm cultivators here far surpass those at Cloud Crowned Peak."
He looked around cautiously, his voice diminishing to a whisper before shifting to mana transmission.
"Ultimately, it's due to the Golden Feather Sect's lax control over the temples and their handling of rogue cultivators. This balance allows many lower-ranked cultivators to thrive peacefully here, their numbers dwarfing those at Azure Pond."
Li Yuanjiao observed the crowd around them and nodded in agreement. "The Azure Pond Sect has the largest number of Purple Mansion, Foundation Establishment, and Qi cultivators though. It sees less return from the Embryonic Breathing Realm cultivators than it could gain from regular annexations and purges… This also ensures that the incapable naturally yield to the more capable and talented. Thus, valuable resources aren't squandered on mediocrity."
After serving the Azure Pond Sect for such a long time now, the Li Family had naturally developed deep connections and insights over the years. Li Yuanjiao elaborated, "The many Embryonic Breathing Realm families in the region can only cultivate Spirit Paddies and must contend with others… They will never be able to compete with Foundation Establishment prestigious clans with high-ranking cultivators in their ranks."
His gaze lingered on the market stalls briefly as he sighed.